Head of state pediatric academy accused of defrauding taxpayers of $87,000

By Tim O'Brien

Published 10:23 pm, Friday, February 28, 2014

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George Dunkel

George Dunkel

Head of state pediatric academy accused of defrauding taxpayers of $87,000

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Colonie

The executive director of the American Academy of Pediatrics New York chapter was arrested Friday and charged with stealing more than $87,000 by padding bills to pay for hotels, continuing medical education credits and other expenses.

George M. Dunkel, 45, of Colonie is accused of inflating the organization's expenses while under contract with the state Department of Health to develop and provide training and education on childhood immunization.

From 2006 to 2013, the organization received more than $1.5 million in state funds for immunization grant contracts. It was in line for another $133,860 contract for similar services through June of this year, but that contract has now been pulled.

Dunkel faces felony charges of grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

"Mr. Dunkel diverted more than $87,000 in public money meant to promote immunization of children across the state," state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said in a prepared statement. "Working with the attorney general, our joint investigation into this disgraceful conduct will continue and will ensure that any money taken illegally will be returned. Contractors who cheat the state will be appropriately punished."

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Dunkel used his position to defraud taxpayers in "an egregious abuse of public funds."

A call to Dunkel went unreturned. A woman who came to the door of his home but did not open it to a reporter Friday evening said, "We're not interested in talking to anybody."

The comptroller's office reviewed 17 different vouchers and found evidence all of them included false information, according to court documents.

He reported paying $7,400 to a doctor who served as the academy's webmaster, but the doctor told investigators he was a volunteer paid only for travel and expenses. Dunkel also allegedly claimed $4,052.80 in fringe benefits for an administrative assistant that he kept for himself.

He allegedly paid himself $36,947.50 in fringe benefits by submitting false documents. The charges say that Dunkel was paid as a consultant, not an employee, and was not entitled to the benefits.

He was arraigned in Albany City Court before Judge Rachel Kretser and was released on his own recognizance.

Dr. Danielle Laraque, who serves on the state chapter's board of directors for the NYSAAP, declined to comment and referred a reporter to the law firm representing the academy, Kern, Augustine, Conroy and Schoppmann.